"Foolish Dreamers" Michael Afton x Reader

𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓗𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓮, 𝓕𝓵𝓲𝓻𝓽 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 (Ch.20)

Tuesday
November 27, 1984 3:31 P.M.

Y/N stayed close to Michael as they walked through the house, acting as the reluctant tour guide, but instead of the usual light hearted banters, there was a heaviness that hung in the air. Even amidst the unfamiliar surroundings, Michael's presence felt like an anchor, offering a silver of comfort that contrasted starkly with the tension in the household. His casual demeanor, the way he looked at her with an earnestness that seemed to cut through the gloom, made her feel momentarily included. Yet, the warmth from Michael was dimmed by the oppressive atmosphere created by his father alone. It felt so forced, his eyes alone gave it away.

William's presence loomed large, like a dense fog that seeped into every corner of the home. Y/N felt a constant weight on her chest, as if each step she took was measured and cautious. Any misstep could provoke a storm—she was painfully aware that a sudden movement or an inadvertent laugh might invite his anger, landing squarely on Michael's shoulders. William's keen gaze, often flickering toward them, only deepened her unease.

Michael appeared to slip into yet another persona. . .one of the golden child, effortless to the expectations placed upon him. But each glance he gave towards his father revealed a flicker of something deeper—frustration, perhaps, or a resignation to his role that left him visibly strained based on the way his eyes narrowed. It was a jarring contrast; the warmth he projected towards anyone else stood in stark opposition to the tension etched in his jaw and the resentment that would flash in his eyes at the mere mention of William.

As they walked through the house, Y/N noted how Michael subtly positioned himself between her and his father whenever they crossed paths. It was a protective gesture that made her question his need to be so cautious with his own father. She felt grateful for his shield-like presence, yet it also gave way to the weight Michael carried—the lengths he went to deflect attention, to keep her from the brunt of his father's silent scrutiny. She wondered just what type of man, William was behind closed doors when no witness was around. .

Y/N's curiosity about his relationship with William burned at the back of her mind, yet she kept her questions at bay, sensing the fragile boundaries he had established.

While they moved from one room to another, Y/N caught Michael's eye, and for a brief moment, she saw a flicker of vulnerability in him, a glimmer of the person he might be when the pressure of expectation was bearing down on him. But just as quickly, he masked it with a smile, the kind that suggested everything was fine when clearly it wasn't.

Each stolen glance exchanged between them spoke volumes, an unspoken agreement to keep things light, to avoid the heaviness that lingered in the air like a specter. Y/N knew that there was more to Michael's story, and while she felt compelled to dig deeper, she also recognized the silent plea in his eyes to respect the boundaries he had set.

________________________
3:51 P.M.

As Elizabeth and Evan came bounding down the stairs, their excitement was palpable. They rushed over to Y/N, their faces bright with anticipation.

"Y/N! We're ready to show you our rooms!" Elizabeth exclaimed, her ginger curls bouncing with every word as she grabbed Y/N's hand and tugged her toward the staircase.

"Yeah! And after that, we can show you Michael's room!" Evan chimed in, bouncing on his toes, practically vibrating with eagerness.

Michael groaned dramatically from behind them. "Oh no, you won't! I swear, it's not tidy! You don't want to see that disaster!" He said looking at Y/N with a pleasing expression to not go to his room.

Elizabeth smirked, undeterred. "Come on! It can't be that bad! I mean, Y/N'a probably seen worse in a tornado!"

Evan nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! We'll just make it look cool! I'll be the tour guide, and you can be the bodyguard, Michael!"